JERMAIN DEFOE is on his way out of Rangers – and is set to focus on his new career as a TV pundit
SunSport understands the 39-year-old striker’s departure will be confirmed in the coming days as manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst reshapes his attack for the second half of the season.
The former West Ham and Tottenham star – who took on a player-coach role in the summer – has made only two appearances for the Scottish champions this season.
And after van Bronckhorst brought in his own backroom team with coaches Roy Makaay, former Ajax youth expert Dave Vos, Yori Bosschaart and Arno Phillps joining Rangers, Defoe was told to focus on his role as a player.
He has scored 32 goals in 74 appearances since joining the Light Blues in 2019.
But he has now called time on his career in Glasgow to pursue TV work.
Defoe has appeared as a studio pundit on Sky's coverage of the Premier League, even at the same time as Rangers have been playing.
In October, he was part of the coverage when West Ham played Tottenham just hours after Rangers played at St Mirren.
Defoe scored 20 goals in 57 appearances for England between 2004 and 2017.
Last year he got engaged to beauty therapist Donna Tierney after presenting her with a stunning diamond ring.
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4His departure comes as Swiss star Cedric Itten returns to Rangers.
Itten joined Bundesliga new boys Greuther Furth on a season-long loan deal on deadline day last summer.
But Rangers held the right to recall him in January and they have now triggered that option.
The two moves are NOT linked, however, with Defoe’s exit strategy thrashed out last month by Ibrox bosses.
In his five months in Germany, Itten bagged two goals for Greuther Furth – including one against Bayern Munich.
Speaking previously about Defoe, Rangers boss van Bronckhorst said: "He's been really good.
“When I came here, of course he was part of the coaching staff, but also a player.
"He's also busy with his training badges, which is really good because we've already started thinking about team processes and tactical possibilities.
"But, for now, Jermain is still a player and we'll use him only as a player."
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